I am working as a volunteer for a national/international charity that provides support to people suffering from
the effects of armed conflicts, natural disasters, or epidemics. The charity runs long-term projects to tackle
global health crises. My role as a volunteer is to gather information regarding the causes and transmission of
infectious diseases and the methods that will be used in order to combat the spread of these diseases to
inform the charity’s publications, newsletters, and blogs. I will then use my research to produce a range of
public information materials in order to raise awareness of the charity’s work.
What does Direct methods of Transmission mean?
Direct methods of transmission are those that allow diseases or infections to spread directly that is, without
the need of external factors from one person, organism, or source to another. Person-to-person contact, such
as respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or physical touch, can play a role in the transmission of diseases.
Direct contact
How can Diseases be spread by Direct Contact, explanations and examples of diseases?
Diseases can spread through direct physical contact between an infected individuals and a susceptible person.
This contact may lead to the spread of illnesses (caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi) through a variety of
pathways. Influenza (Flu) is one illness that can be contracted through direct contact. When an infected person
coughs or sneezes close to another, respiratory droplets can be released into the air, spreading the illness.
Fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and/or exhaustion are some of
the symptoms of influenza.
Human to human
How can Diseases be spread by Human-to-Human Contact, explanations and examples of diseases?
Human-to-human transmission of diseases can occur through a variety of pathways, such as direct contact,
respiratory droplets, body fluids, and more. I will now give some examples of the different diseases that can
spread from person to person. Direct skin-to-skin contact can spread diseases like scabies, which is a
contagious skin disease caused by an itch mite. Scabies can cause symptoms such as Itching, Rashes, Sores and
Thick crust on skin. To prevent the spread of scabies, immunisations, good hygiene practises, and the
application of infection control practises in clinical and community settings are commonly required.
, Body fluids
How can Diseases be spread by Bodily fluid Contact, explanations and examples of diseases?
Diseases can spread through bodily fluids when people who are susceptible to disease come into touch with
those of infected individuals. Transmission of the Ebola virus can occur by direct contact with the blood, saliva,
vomit, faeces, sweat, tears, or urine of infected individuals. Hepatitis B and C viruses, among others, can be
transmitted by coming into touch with contaminated blood, needles, or other body fluids. The following are
possible Ebola symptoms: fever, aches and pains, such as severe headaches, sore throats, and muscle and joint
pain; weakness and fatigue; loss of appetite; and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and
stomach pain.
Animal to human
How can Diseases be spread by Animal to Human Contact, explanations and examples of diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are those that transfer from animals to people. Animals' secretions, polluted habitats, or
direct contact with them can all spread zoonotic diseases. One viral disease that is commonly spread by the
bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a dog, bat, raccoon, or wild animal, is rabies. Another example is
Lyme disease, which is caused when the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted to people by the bite of
infected black-legged ticks. These ticks frequently prey on rodents and deer. Important aspects of zoonotic
disease prevention include maintaining good hygiene, handling and cooking food correctly, using bug repellents
in endemic areas, and avoiding contact with wild or possibly diseased animals. Lyme disease symptoms might
include headaches, fevers, chills, stiff neck, muscle and joint discomfort, and fatigue.
Animal waste
How can Diseases be spread by Animal to Human Contact, explanations and examples of diseases?
There are several ways that disease can spread from animal faeces, but the primary one is through the
presence of pathogens, which are microscopic creatures including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other ways
that animal faeces can spread disease include contaminated water sources including lakes, rivers, and ponds
that have not been adequately maintained because pathogens thrive in these environments. Fruits and
vegetables that have been grown in contaminated soil are susceptible to a variety of diseases, which is another
way that animal faeces can spread disease. However, by safely disposing of the animal faeces to avoid
contamination, we can lower the danger of illness. One disease that can be contracted is toxocariasis, an
infection brought on by tiny worms found in animal faeces. Toxocariasis can cause fever, fatigue, asthma,
coughing, or stomach and abdominal pain.